“I know that it is difficult for you to be here, especially this time of the year,” said Camporini.

“Boun Natale (Merry Christmas) and Grazie (thank you)”, said Petraeus, as many looked both surprised and impressed when the general addressed them in Italian. He then asked the soldiers to gather around him to be closer and more personal.

Bakwah is one of the more volatile areas in RC-West, and the soldiers based there often engage insurgents in kinetic activities. However, many civilian-military cooperation initiatives and developments continue to improve the situation there.

“Our soldiers here are doing wonderful work in tough places,” Petraeus said. “It’s a privilege for the other 48 ISAF countries to serve with the Italians.”